A Plan to Suit Your Needs

As an independent funeral director, we take the time to understand your wishes and tailor a plan that’s right for you. We can meet at our premises, visit you at home, or discuss your wishes by phone or email — whichever you prefer.

You can tell us about the kind of funeral you’d like, including hymns, music, readings, or other personal touches, and we’ll ensure your plan reflects your choices.

What’s Included in a Prepaid Funeral Plan

Your plan covers our funeral director’s services, meaning our fees are fixed at today’s prices and protected from future increases. These services typically include:

• Professional services and arrangements for the funeral
• Transportation of the deceased to our premises, chapel of rest, or another suitable location
• Care and preparation of the deceased for family viewing (if requested)
• Guidance on certification, registration, and documentation
• Provision of funeral vehicles
• Advice on bereavement counselling
• The coffin or casket you have chosen

Third-Party Costs

Some additional costs fall outside our control. These essential, non–funeral director costs are paid at the time of the funeral and may include:

• Crematorium fees
• Minister or officiant’s fees
• Cemetery fees for the opening of a grave or interment of ashes

Other possible costs can include:

• Purchase of a grave or lair
• Hire of a church or other venue
• Organist or soloist fees
• Memorials such as headstones or plaques
• Catering, floral tributes, or newspaper announcements

A Golden Charter funeral plan can include a contribution towards third-party costs, depending on the plan type you choose. There will only be more to pay at the time of the funeral if these costs exceed your plan’s allowance or if they rise faster than your plan’s growth.

Even if prices increase in the future, once your plan is fully paid, you can be assured that there will be nothing more to pay for our funeral director’s services included in your plan — guaranteed.

Flexible Payment Options

You can pay for your Golden Charter plan in several ways — as a one-off payment or in instalments. We’ll provide all the information you need to make an informed decision.

The retail price of your funeral plan reflects today’s equivalent cost of a funeral, plus an arrangement fee of £325 retained by Golden Charter to cover plan setup costs.

Your payments are securely held in the Golden Charter Trust, which manages over £1.21 billion (as of 31 March 2024). The Trust is independently run by a Board of Trustees who ensure that your plan’s funds are available to pay for your funeral when required — however far into the future that may be.

For full details on how your payments are protected, please visit goldencharter.co.uk/faqs.

Looking After You as a Customer

When you take out a Golden Charter plan, you’ll receive:

• Personalised plan documents, including a summary, your plan holder certificate, and membership card
• The option to nominate a representative, who will receive plan details and our contact information (they won’t be able to make changes to your plan)
• A statement from Golden Charter every three years

We also hold full details of your plan here at Clifford Ward Independent Funeral Directors. When the time comes, just one phone call is all it takes for your family to activate your plan and begin the arrangements.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Arranging a plan now can bring comfort and peace of mind, knowing that your wishes will be respected and your loved ones protected from unnecessary worry and expense later.

To explore your options, please get in touch with us today.

If you’d prefer to view or buy a plan online, click below to explore available options.

[BUY A FUNERAL PLAN]

If no online plans meet your needs, or you’d like to arrange a burial plan, please call us on 01772 885 775 — we’ll be happy to tailor a plan just for you.